Turf Wars, Hedge Maintenance and Peening in North Norfolk!

The WBOA site (West Beckham Old Allotments) is a sizable space currently comprised of a large

grassy field surrounded by mature hedging, with areas created by Felbeck Trust, such as a

habitat specifically suitable for Turtle Doves. Ponds have been created on the site together with

newly planted hedgerows within the site. Because of its past life as an area for commercial bulb

growing, there is an abundance of daffodils which are now in full bloom.

Another beautiful North Norfolk day allowed a large turnout to complete three major tasks.

Turf Stripping

This was a continuation from work done on a previous work party earlier this year. Today’s turf

stripping had two main aims:

 Expose bare earth to allow native weeds to seed in areas not covered in grass

 To utilise the 90cm x 18cm turf slabs to edge the Lockdown pond, covering the exposed

liner at the edge of the pond and stopping it being pulled up or nibbled by wildlife

Two work-parties worth of Turf Stripping

Before the turf could be laid around the pond the margin had to be cleared of Stinging Nettles.

Clearing the pond margins

Stripping the turf proved quite tough as the topsoil is not very thick and it is very stony.

Transporting the large turf slabs from one end of the site to the other also proved quite labour

intensive!

However, in the end it was worth it! Once this was completed the majority of the team moved on to the next task.

The Lockdown Pond with its new turf margin

Upkeep of the young hedgerow running down the centre of the site:

This hedgerow consists of saplings that are only a few years old. The hedging needed a bit of

tidying and filling in to ensure continued strong growth. The area around each sapling was

cleared of big weeds or anything that could obstruct its growth. The plastic guard surrounding

each plant was checked to ensure it covered the sapling correctly to protect it from being

eaten by wildlife such as deer and rabbits. Amongst the trees, a number of Honeysuckles that

had been planted at the same time as the hedge were found to be flourishing.

Andrew and Peter starting the new Hedge Maintenance

Very young saplings or “whips” were also planted with stakes and guards to fill in any gaps in

the hedge.

Planting New Whips

Scythe Maintenance

Whilst the ground work was going on, part of the team were tasked with scythe maintenance.

This included the technique of “peening”.

Scythe peening in action

During its usage the scythe blade edge becomes damaged by striking rocks etc. This damage

can be repaired using a peening tool. The tool is made from two metal cylinders and a central

peg. The blade is placed between the two and the top cylinder is then struck with a hammer

repeatedly. Working along the blade the metal is re-formed into a clean edge. The blade can then

be sharpened with a sharpening stone. A laborious but rewarding process which ensures our

tools have a long and useful life.

Interesting finds:

Alan was doing some ground work and he found some evidence of bird of prey activity next to a

perching post on the site.

Droppings and bones from a bird of prey

“Triangle” activities update

During the doughnut break – which was particularly welcomed by the industrious turf strippers! –

Trevor led a presentation on the Upper Bure and Glaven Conservation Triangle (The Triangle),

Felbeck Trust’s latest nature recovery initiative. He told us how this is bringing together

conservation groups, individuals and landowners in an area between Cromer, Holt and Aylsham.

He highlighted activities such as surveying sites, looking at “at-risk” species, and managing

habitats for these, including

a) Barn Owls – for example, the pole that will soon sport an owl box at WBOA

b) Marsh Tits – for example, the nest boxes at Spurrell’s Wood and collaborating on a research

project at the University of East Anglia

c) Turtle Dove – suitable habitat development and supplementary feeding at WBOA

John also mentioned that an important function of the Triangle project was “speed dating” to

connect stakeholders such as landowners, agencies and conservation groups within the Triangle

to aid working together.

This was a brilliant work party in fabulous weather - thanks to all who made it such a success.

Our next work party is in Sustead on Thursday April 2nd.

Mark Cheetham

March 19th 2026